First thing in the morning (pre 6am) it was time to get a coffee and head into downtown Key West to board a boat for a ride for the Dry Tortugas. The boat ride took 2.5 hours to get there and the same amount for the return at the end of the day. We were served breakfast and lunch on the boat. There was an option to take a tour of Fort Jefferson and we did. The tour lasted about 1.25 hours after which Sue and I snorkeled and Linda did more exploring of the fort.
As we boated back into Key West, we made plans to meet Fred and Van in Mallory Square for sunset which is a local tradition. The boat docked at 5:30pm and sunset was 5:42pm. We did our best, but missed the sun as it set into the horizon. I was able to capture a few nice pictures of sail boats in the distance.
Once we all met up, we happened upon a young man that is traveling solo, self-supported by bike, circumventing the perimeter of the continental U.S. He started in Oregon and has already done the whole northern tier and headed from Maine to Key West. Next for him is to go north up the west coast of Florida then west to California and north back to Portland, Oregon.
Then, after a long, fun day we headed back to Sloppy Joe’s for dinner and some local musical entertainment.
Leaving Key West for the Dry Tortugas.
Approaching Dry Tortugas from the water.
Inside the walls of Fort Jefferson.
As seen from the roof of Fort Jefferson.
The “newer” housing quarters for the employees that work on the Dry Tortugas.
Sue and I snorkeling off the shore of the Dry Tortugas.
Just missed capturing the sun going down back at Mallory Square in Key West.
Back at Sloppy Joes for dinner and enjoying the entertainment.